The rogue gene

The gene, WWP2, leads to the breakdown of an inhibitor that normally keeps cells in check.

The researchers showed, in tissue cultures, that without the inhibitor, Smad7, cancer progressed very quickly and spread.

Blocking the gene prevented that spread.

Dr Andrew Chantry, who led the study, said: "I think we're really onto something important if we can put a wall around a cancer and lock it in place.

"The discovery could lead to the development of a new generation of drugs within the decade that could be used to stop the aggressive spread of most forms of the disease."

The team are now recruiting chemists to help them design a drug which could interrupt the gene's activity.

Dr Kat Arney, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Over recent decades researchers all over the world have discovered genes that drive the growth and spread of cancer, and this research adds one more to this ever-growing list.

"But, while these new results aid our understanding of the complexities of cancer and could point towards potential leads for future anti-cancer drugs, the work is still at the laboratory stage."